Physical Geology Lab
LAB REPORT NO. 2
Identification of Minerals through Moh’s Hardness Scale.
Name: Wajeeha Abid
Registration no. 2024-TE-02
Course: Geo-E-110L
Physical Geology Lab 2
Objective
To determine a mineral’s relative hardness by accessing its ability to scratch or to
be scratched by other minerals.
Related theory
Minerals
Mineral is a homogeneous solid, a mineral is composed of a single solid substance of uniform
composition that cannot be physically separated into simpler chemical compounds.
Moh’s Hardness scale
Introduced by Friedrich Mohs in 1812, this scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10
(hardest) based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.
Hardness
Hardness refers to a mineral’s resistance to being scratched, which is determined by the
strength of atomic bonding within its crystal structure.
Factors Affecting Hardness
Chemical composition: Stronger bonds result in higher hardness.
Crystal structure: Different atomic arrangements can cause variations.
Impurities: Some minerals may show slight variations in hardness.
1. Talc (Hardness 1): Softest mineral, usually white or green, used in talcum powder.
Figure 1 Talc stone
2. Gypsum (Hardness 2): Soft, often colourless or white, used in plaster and drywall.
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Figure 2 Gypsum stone
3. Calcite (Hardness 3): Common, colourless to white, often found in limestone and
marble.
Figure 3 Calcite stone
4. Fluorite (Hardness 4): Colourful (purple, green, yellow), used in industrial
processes and fluorine production.
Figure 4 Fluorite stone
5. Apatite (Hardness 5): Green, blue, or brown, forms in phosphate rocks and used in
fertilizers.
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Figure 5 Apatite stone
6. Feldspar (Hardness 6): Pink, white, or grey, makes up much of the Earth's crust
and used in ceramics.
Figure 6 Feldspar
7. Quartz (Hardness 7): Common, colourless or various colours, used in glass-
making and as gemstones.
Figure 7 Quartz stone
8. Topaz (Hardness 8): Can be yellow, blue, or pink, a popular gemstone in
jewellery.
9. Corundum (Hardness 9): Hard, includes rubies and sapphires, used as abrasive
and in gemstones.
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Figure 9 Corundum stones
10. Diamond (Hardness 10): Hardest known natural material, colourless to various
tints, used in cutting tools and jewellery.
Figure 10 Diamond
Observation Table:
Sample no. Sample ID Colour Streak Hardness
1 Talc White White 1
2 Gypsum White White 2
3 Calcite White Light brown / 3
Yellow
4 Fluorite White Ice Green 4
5 Apatite White Ice Blue 5
6 Feldspar White Pale Yellow 6
7 Quartz White Colourless 7
8 Topaz White Grey 8
9 Corundum White Red 9
10 Diamond White Colourless 10
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Conclusion
Moh’s Hardness Scale provides a simple and practical method for mineral identification and
is widely used in geology, industry, and material science. It remains an essential tool in
understanding the physical properties of minerals.
References
Title of webpage: Mohs scale
Website name: Wikipedia